This 37th Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF), Asia's top arts event, serves up orchestral concerts, ballet, modern jazz and dance, along with modern drama and new twists to classical favourites. Here's a taste of what's on offer :
OPERA Alcina: Alcina , in 1735. Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the composer's death and for the first time in its history, the HKAF presents an enchanting production of this most frequently performed Baroque opera. (24 - 25 Feb)
Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk:
MUSIC Bernard Haitink and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: On the first evening, Mozart's Jupiter Symphony is followed by Strauss's autobiographical Ein Heldenleben . On the second evening, the spotlight falls entirely on Mahler's Symphony No. 6. (6 - 7 Feb)
Northern Sinfonia and Chorus: Northern Sinfonia and Chorus will perform in two glorious evenings of classical choral fare: Haydn's biggest and last large-scale mass, Harmoniemesse , and Beethoven's choral Ninth Symphony . (12 - 14 Feb)
Ton Koopman and the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra: The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Ton Koopman from the harpsichord, will play works by Bach, Haydn and Handel on 3 - 4 March. In another highly anticipated evening, Koopman will play the organ in a recital featuring Bach, Couperin and Buxtehude on 28 Feb. (28 Feb, 3 - 4 Mar)
Deutsches Symphonie - Orchester Berlin: The Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (DSO) has a strong reputation for masterful interpretation of Austro-German music from the turn of the century. In two evenings, the orchestra will play major symphonic works by Brahms, Bruckner, Wagner and Webern. (6 - 7 Mar)
JAZZ Omar Sosa Afreecanos Quartet: Likened to a Shaman, Omar Sosa's music is spellbinding and intoxicating. Audiences find it difficult not to spontaneously jump to their feet and join Sosa in exotic chorus vocals. Come fall under his spell. (20 Feb)
THEATRE Pygmalion:
The Emperor Jones:
Vesturport Theatre of Iceland - Metamorphosis: A sell-out hit in London and across Europe with more than 100 performances after its premiere in 2006, Vesturport's Metamorphosis is truly exceptional theatre, offering an intense and macabre experience. (19 - 21 Feb)
Murder in San José:
DANCE National Ballet of China - The Peony Pavilion: Following their hit Raise the Red Lantern , the troupe has adapted The Peony Pavilion , Chinese literature's most romantic story. Much more than a love story, The Peony Pavilion is also about the regenerative power of true emotions. (7 - 10 Feb)
Alice in Wonderland: Lewis Carroll's surreal world is sensationally brought to life in this splendid large-scale ballet of Alice in Wonderland by the English National Ballet. Don't miss this extravagant performance! Explore Alice's magical world. (4 - 8 Mar)
CHINESE OPERA Yue Opera - A Dream of Red Mansions, Love with a Fairy Carp, Romance of West Chamber: The award-winning Shanghai Yueju Opera Theatre is considered the best yue opera troupe in China today. Don't miss this chance to see these poetic and lyrical operas performed by this elegant all-woman cast. (13 - 15 Feb)
Be sure to visit out interactive calendar for information on the great events taking place in Hong Kong.
